- Salary statistics
- Sprayers, chemical industry
Sprayers, chemical industry
36 000 - 39 800 kr / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Sprayers, chemical industry
What does a spray operator do in the chemical industry? – Tasks and work environment
A spray operator in the chemical industry is responsible for applying chemicals, paints, or coatings to various materials and products through spraying techniques. Tasks include preparing equipment, checking mixing ratios, and monitoring the spraying process to ensure high quality. The spray operator often works with advanced machinery in production environments where precision and accuracy are crucial. The work environment is characterized by safety requirements, protective gear, and strict procedures for handling chemicals, demanding high responsibility and attention from the worker.
Salary development over time
Spray operators in the chemical industry have seen a clear positive salary trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK, which then increased to 33 600 SEK in 2023 and reached 38 100 SEK in 2024. This increase corresponds to a total salary rise of just over 17% during the period, marking a significant improvement compared to many other industrial jobs. The development can largely be explained by increased demand for skilled labor in the chemical industry, technological advancements, and a greater focus on workplace safety. Additionally, education level and specialization are becoming increasingly important for salary levels, especially for those handling complex chemical processes and advanced equipment.
Spray operator, chemical industry salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 38 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 39,800 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 229 SEK/hour
- Women earn: 36,900 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 38,500 SEK/month
Education and qualifications
To work as a spray operator in the chemical industry, a high school education in industry, technology, or chemistry is usually required, often supplemented with internal training or specialized courses. Practical experience from similar environments is highly valued, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed internships or trainee programs. Some employers also require certifications for handling chemicals and safety procedures.
- High school education: Industrial technical programs, 3 years
- Post-secondary education: Short vocational courses in chemistry/production (recommended)
- Certifications: Safety and chemical handling
- Internships: Practical experience via trainee programs or apprenticeships
- Prerequisites: Good knowledge of technology, mathematics, and safety regulations
Working as a spray operator in the chemical industry requires not only technical skills but also a well-developed sense of detail and safety awareness. A small deviation in process control can affect both product quality and the work environment, making accuracy a central trait for success in the role.
Common benefits and compensations
Spray operators in the chemical industry are often offered benefits such as overtime pay, wellness allowances, work clothing and protective equipment, as well as insurance and pension contributions via collective agreements. In some cases, bonuses for achieving production targets and extra vacation days may also be included.
Competition and challenges
The profession of spray operator in the chemical industry is characterized by a limited number of trained applicants and a relatively high demand in certain regions, but competition can vary depending on economic conditions and location. The industry imposes high safety and regulatory compliance requirements, which can be challenging for newcomers. Automation and technological development influence job tasks and require continuous skills upgrading. The availability of job openings in the profession is good, but specific forecasts for spray operators are uncertain due to a lack of detailed statistics.
Tips for those wishing to become a spray operator in the chemical industry
To succeed as a spray operator in the chemical industry, it is important to be meticulous and always follow safety procedures, as the work often involves handling chemicals and advanced equipment. An interest in technology and problem-solving skills facilitate adjustments of machinery or processes. Being flexible and able to collaborate with colleagues contributes to an efficient production chain, while a sense of responsibility is crucial to prevent accidents. Seeking internships during education provides valuable experience and increases employment chances after graduation. Finally, being prepared for shift work and continuously updating skills is essential to stay current with new technology and work methods.
Key facts about spray operators in the chemical industry
- Salary range: 36,000–39,800 SEK/month
- Education level: High school + possibly shorter post-secondary courses
- Work environment: Production, chemical industry, high safety requirements
- Hourly wage: 229 SEK/hour (average)
- Demand: 1,437 reported job openings in the profession
Career paths and future outlook
After several years of experience, a spray operator in the chemical industry can advance to roles such as supervisor, process technician, or quality manager within production. Some choose to further education in automation or production technology to broaden their career opportunities. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate a stable demand for machine operators in the chemical industry, although no specific outlook exists for spray operators. The number of job openings in related professions is high, indicating continued demand for skills in the field. Ongoing skills development and specialization provide the best prospects for long-term career growth.
Frequently asked questions about spray operators in the chemical industry
- What does a spray operator earn in the chemical industry?
- The average salary is 38 100 SEK/month, with a range between 36,000 and 39,800 SEK/month. - How has the salary development for spray operators in the chemical industry progressed?
- Salary development has been strong, with an increase of about 17% over the past three years. - What education is required to become a spray operator in the chemical industry?
- A high school industrial education and preferably supplementary courses in chemistry and safety are recommended. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession. - What is the work environment like for spray operators in the chemical industry?
- The work environment is production-based with high safety requirements and use of protective gear. - What are the future prospects?
- There is a good demand for labor within the profession, with 1,437 reported job openings. - What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
- It is common to take on roles such as supervisor, process technician, or further education within production technology.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35000 kr | 39100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35400 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34800 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34200 kr | 38100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35000 kr | 39100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35400 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34800 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34200 kr | 38100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35000 kr | 39100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35400 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34800 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34200 kr | 38100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33500 kr | 38000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35200 kr | 39600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35500 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35000 kr | 39200 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34300 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33500 kr | 38000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35200 kr | 39600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35500 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35000 kr | 39200 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34300 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33500 kr | 38000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35200 kr | 39600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35500 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35000 kr | 39200 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34300 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 96% | 33600 kr | 36900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 96% | 33600 kr | 36900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 96% | 33600 kr | 36900 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Sprayers, chemical industry has the SSYK code 8132, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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